By Cyndi
Have we really and truly considered what love looks like in the midst of a fallen, darkened world? I’d like to attempt to broach the subject.
So here goes.
What Would Jesus Do?
Here are a few questions for you to think about:
- Would Jesus have lunch with Caitlyn Jenner?
- Would Jesus be Facebook friends with Justin Bieber or Shia LeBeouf?
- Would Jesus meet with Hilary Clinton for a discussion?
Now that I’ve got you thinking, let me say this—Jesus is love. He fully represented His Father here on earth. God is love and Jesus came that we might know that Love. (1 John 4:8, John 14:6)
All my life I have heard the expression, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” But what does that really look like? I mean…really? In today’s world, the 21st century, what does that look like?
Not Surprised At All
I, like many of you, get stirred up by some of my “rights” and freedoms being infringed upon by extreme liberals. But lately God has reminded me of the verses in Isaiah 60:1-3:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (NIV)
Allow me to emphasize this middle part a little— “see, darkness covers the earth.” Covers the earth! Yep, it’s here. Alive and well throughout every nation of the world. So why am I still surprised when I see it happening? God said it was coming.
And it’s here. The darkness is beginning to cover the earth. But wait…there’s more. It will be thick darkness over the people. Some versions even say gross darkness. I think it’s a bit gross now. Just imagine what’s coming!
Yet, there is verse 3:
“Nations will come to your light…” There’s light in the midst of this thick darkness! And where is this light coming from? You and me! Yes, when we are filled with His glory—the very Light Himself—we will shine brightly.
Take note that light is much more contrasted in the midst of darkness.
Light in Unlikely Places
The first chapter of John tells us He is Light. And 1 John 4:8 tells us He is Love. This Light is Love. So what is this great light that is shining ever so brilliantly in the bleak darkness and despair of the world? Love.
When we love, especially in the obscured and confused place we call “our world,” it will draw all men unto Him. The Light of the world—Love—is the answer. (Great song from 1979.)
Love will love those who are flummoxed in the mire. Love will love those who are lonely and afraid. Love will love those who have done the most horrible things imaginable and come to them, not with stones in their hands, but with outstretched arms and embrace them in their brokenness and pain.